Risk factors for falls in older adults with diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To identify risk factors for falls in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: The eligible studies identified factors associated with the risk of falls in older adults with T2DM. We searched PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases. The review has been updated and the last review date was November 30, 2023 (CRD42020193461). RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, and eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. These studies included a total of 40,778 older adults with T2DM, aged 60 to 101 years. The risk of developing the outcome falls in older adults with T2DM is 63% higher compared to the risk in older adults without T2DM (HR 1.63; 95% CI [1.30 - 2.05]). The overall chance of falling in older adults with T2DM is 59% higher than that of non-diabetic older adults (OR 1.59; 95% CI [1.36 -1.87]), and in older adults with T2DM who take insulin the chance of falling is 162% higher (OR 2.62; 95% CI [1.87 - 3.65]). No results on diabetic polyneuropathy were found in the studies. CONCLUSION: Older adults with T2DM present a higher risk of falls compared to non-diabetics. Among the included older adults with T2DM, the most important factor associated with a higher risk of falls was insulin use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020193461).

Effects of blood flow restriction therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: protocol for an overview of systematic reviews.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common and prevalent musculoskeletal disease associated with population aging, negatively impacting function and quality of life. A consequence of knee OA is quadriceps muscle weakness. Musculoskeletal rehabilitation using low load exercises, associated with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) may be a useful alternative to high load exercises when those cannot be tolerated. Several systematic reviews have reported inconclusive results due to discrepancies in study findings, heterogeneity of results, evaluated time points, and research questions explored. Objective: To perform an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analyses, synthesizing the most recent evidence on the effects of muscle strength training with BFR for knee OA. Methodology: Systematic reviews that include primary controlled and randomized clinical trials will be considered for inclusion. Articles will be considered only if they present a clear and reproducible methodological structure, and when they clearly demonstrate that a critical analysis of the evidence was carried out using instrumented analysis. Narrative reviews, other types of review, overviews of systematic reviews, and diagnostic, prognostic and economic evaluation studies will be excluded. Studies must include adults aged 40 years and older with a diagnosis of knee OA. Two authors will perform an electronic search with guidance from an experienced librarian. The following databases will be searched: PubMed via MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), PEDro, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via EBSCO host, Web of Science, and the gray literature. The search strategy used in the databases will follow the acronym PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design). Screening (i.e., titles and abstracts) of studies identified by the search strategy will be selected using Rayyan (http://rayyan.qcri.org). The quality assessment will be performed using the "Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews" (AMSTAR-2) tool. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42022367209.

Inspiratory muscle training on quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to summarize the effectiveness of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) on the quality of life in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). METHODS: An online systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed CENTRAL, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, SciELO, CINAHL/SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO. Randomized and non-randomized clinical studies investigating the effectiveness of IMT in quality of life were included in the present study. The results used the mean difference and 95% confidence interval for maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and the standardized mean differences for the quality of life and maximum ventilation volume. RESULTS: The search found 232 papers, and after the screening, four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analytical procedures (n = 150 participants). No changes were demonstrated in the quality of life domains (general health, physical function, mental health, vitality, social function, emotional problem, and pain) after IMT. The IMT provided a considerable effect over the MIP but not on FEV1 and MEP. Conversely, it was not able to provide changes in any of the quality of life domains. None of the included studies evaluated the IMT effects on the expiratory muscle maximal expiratory pressure. CONCLUSION: Evidence from studies shows that inspiratory muscle training improves the MIP; however, this effect does not seem to translate to any change in the quality of life or respiratory function outcomes in individuals with SCI.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability, agreement, and minimal detectable change of the handheld dynamometer in individuals with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: The handheld dynamometer has been validated to measure muscle strength in different muscle groups. However, to date, it has not been tested in individuals who experience pain induced by hip osteoarthritis. The current study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability, agreement, and minimal detectable change of the Lafayette handheld dynamometer, model 1165, to assess the peak force (Pk) and average peak force (Af) of hip muscles in individuals with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis. METHODS: Twenty participants with hip osteoarthritis (mean ± SD age: 58.7±15.3 years; body mass index: 28.8±4.2 kg/m2) and pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale ≥ 4 (8.05±1.2) were recruited to participate in this study. Pk and Af of hip flexors (seated position), abductors and adductors (supine position), and extensors (prone position) were collected in a single day by two independent raters, each one obtaining test and retest in randomly ordered separate sessions. RESULTS: The intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was classified as good (>0.75) or excellent (≥0.90) for all muscle groups and all inter-rater ICCs were classified as excellent. Rater A had a lower standard error of measurement compared to rater B, ranging from 0.15 to 0.58 kilogram-force (Kgf) compared with 0.34 to 1.25 kg, respectively. However, the inter-rater comparison showed a minimal detectable change (MDC) of < 10% for all Pk and Af measures for hip adductors and extensors. Finally, the inter-rater Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement for abductors, adductors, and extensors. CONCLUSION: Despite pain and dysfunction related to hip osteoarthritis, the mean of two measures using a handheld dynamometer was shown to be a reliable tool to assess hip muscle strength, with good to excellent intra- and inter-rater ICCs, satisfactory agreement, and small values for MDC.

Biofeedback interventions for short term upper limb function following stroke: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Biofeedback has been used by rehabilitation professionals in the treatment of poststroke function impairments. PURPOSE: Investigate the efficacy of any type of biofeedback intervention for the treatment of upper limb function in individuals following stroke. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of literature with meta-analysis. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted using MESH terms and text words in PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science databases. The main outcome was improvement in upper limb's motor function and motor function in activities of daily living. We calculated the Mean Difference and Standardized Mean Difference for the assessment scales reported as primary outcome. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using PEDro scale. The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE system. RESULTS: From 1360 articles identified, 16 were included in the review (09 in the meta-analysis). Three forest plots of hemiparesis and one of hemiplegia showed that biofeedback therapy associated with conventional therapy has a greater improvement in participants upper limb motor function when compared to isolated conventional therapy. Two forest plots of hemiparesis and one of hemiplegia showed no superiority in participants improvement for biofeedback associated with conventional therapy when compared to isolated conventional therapy. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback therapy associated with conventional therapy showed a small clinical effect when associated to conventional therapy and very low quality of evidence. Although further research with higher quality evidence is needed.

Association between the risk of chronification of musculoskeletal symptoms and sleep quality in Military Firefighters of the Federal District / Associação entre o risco de cronificação de sintomas musculoesqueléticos e a qualidade do sono em Bombeiros Militares no Distrito Federal

Abstract Musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) can derive from injuries or dysfunctions that affect biological tissues such as muscles, bones, and nerves, among others. Military Firefighters (MF) exercise their activities exposed to varied and complex biological conditions, in which the physical demands are intense. Shift work is another remarkable characteristic of the career, which is associated with sleep disorders. Our objective was to estimate the association between the risk of chronification of MS and sleep quality in MF with MS. Our study is a Cross-Sectional Observational Study, whose sample was composed of 753 BM from the Federal District. The analysis was performed with a Sample Characterization Questionnaire, Örebro Musculoskeletal Symptoms Screening Questionnaire (OMPSQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), answered remotely. Statistical analysis used the Spearman Correlation test, p<0.05. The correlation between OMPSQ and PSQI was rated moderate, demonstrating that sleep quality has an influence on the chronification process. The average of the evaluation of Sleep Quality through the PSQI is 8.79, indicating that military personnel present a deficient quality of sleep. There was a correlation between the PSQI score and the OMPSQ of 0.542 (p<0.001), a moderate correlation between the variables. We conclude that MF show correlation between SM and sleep quality, indicating a moderate relationship between the variables, where sleep quality explains 25% of SM. We found that most MF were classified as Low Risk for chronification of SM.

Resumo Os sintomas musculoesqueléticos (SM) podem derivar de lesões ou disfunções que afetam tecidos biológicos como músculos, ossos, nervos, entre outros. Os Bombeiros Militares (BM) exercem suas atividades expostos a condições biológicas variadas e complexas, nas quais as demandas físicas são intensas. O trabalho em turno é outra característica marcante na carreira, o qual está associado a distúrbios do sono. Nosso objetivo foi estimar a associação entre o risco de cronificação de SM e a qualidade do sono em BM com SM. Nosso estudo é um Estudo Observacional Transversal, cuja amostra foi composta por 753 BM do Distrito Federal. A análise foi realizada com um Questionário de Caracterização Amostral, Questionário Örebro de Triagem de Sintomas Musculoesqueléticos (OMPSQ) e com o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI), respondidos remotamente. A análise estatística utilizou o teste de Correlação Spearman, p<0,05. A correlação entre OMPSQ e PSQI foi classificada em moderada, demonstrando que a qualidade do sono apresenta influência no processo de cronificação. A média da avaliação da Qualidade do Sono através do PSQI é de 8,79, indicando que militares apresentam uma qualidade do sono deficitária. Houve correlação entre a pontuação no PSQI e o OMPSQ de 0,542 (p<0.001), correlação moderada entre as variáveis. Concluímos que os BM apresentam correlação entre os SM e a qualidade do sono, indicando uma relação moderada entre as variáveis, onde a qualidade de sono explica 25% dos SM. Verificamos que a maioria dos BM foram classificados como Baixo Risco de cronificação de SM.

Qual a melhor técnica de fixação da tela na cirurgia laparoscópica da hérnia inguinal? / What is the best mesh fixation technique in laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery?

Introdução: As operações laparoscópicas têm aumentado anualmente, bem como os casos de prevalência das hérnias da parede abdominal. Com isso, as técnicas de se realizar as operações, bem como certos procedimentos vem sendo estudados. Uma das questões debatidas é a respeito do tipo de fixação da tela. Objetivo: Avaliar as técnicas de fixação da tela na cirurgia laparoscópica ventral da hérnia inguinal. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de revisão sistemática. Três bases de dados foram consultadas: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), EMBASE e PUBMED. Durante as buscas foram utilizados descritores com vocabulário controlado e text words. Resultados: Em relação ao desenho do estudo 1 revisão incluiu apenas ECA, 2 ECA e ECNA e 1 combinou a inclusão de ECA e estudos observacionais. Em relação ao tipo de fixação 2 estudos compararam os efeitos da fixação por tacha vs. cola de fibrina e outros 2 a comparação da fixação do grampo vs. cola de fibrina. De todos os desfechos de metanálise avaliados, apenas a redução da dor inguinal crônica pela fixação por cola de fibrina foi estatisticamente superior ao método de fixação mecânico em 3 dos 4 estudos. Conclusão: Os achados mostram que a diferença entre as técnicas de fixação da tela na cirurgia laparoscópica ventral da hérnia inguinal é que a fixação por cola diminui a incidência de dor crônica pós-operatória.

Introduction: Laparoscopic operations have increased annually, as well as the prevalence of abdominal wall hernias. With this, the techniques of performing the operations, as well as certain procedures, have been studied. One of the debated questions is about the type of fixation of the mesh. Objective: To evaluate mesh fixation techniques in ventral laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia. Method: This is a systematic review. Three databases were consulted: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), EMBASE and PUBMED. During the searches, descriptors with controlled vocabulary and text words were used. Results: Regarding the study design, 1 review included only ACE, 2 ACE and ECNA and 1 combined the inclusion of ACE and observational studies. Regarding the type of fixation, 2 studies compared the effects of stud fixation vs. fibrin glue and 2 others comparison of staple vs. fibrin glue. Of all the meta-analysis outcomes evaluated, only the reduction of chronic groin pain by fibrin glue fixation was statistically superior to the mechanical fixation method in 3 of 4 studies. Conclusion: The findings show that the difference between mesh fixation techniques in laparoscopic ventral inguinal hernia surgery is that glue fixation decreases the incidence of postoperative chronic pain.

The effect of cochlear implant surgery on vestibular function in adults: A meta-analysis study.

Issue: The findings in literature indicate inconsistency in the complications caused by the implant of electrodes in the cochlea; vestibular alterations and balance disorders are mentioned as the most likely. Purpose: To evaluate, in literature, through the results of multiple vestibular function tests, the effects of cochlear implant surgery on postural stability in adult patients and to analyze. Hypothesis: From the PICO strategy, where the Population focuses on adults, Intervention is cochlear implant surgery, Comparisons are between implanted patients, and Outcomes are the results of the assessment of cochlear function, the research question was formulated: Are there deficits in vestibular function in adults undergoing cochlear implant placement? Method: Systematic review based on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional observational studies. Information sources: Databases between 1980 and 2021, namely, PubMed, Cinahl, Web Of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. Search strategy using Mesh terms: "Adult," "Cochlear Implant," "Postural Balance," "Posturography," "Cochlear Implant," "Dizziness," "Vertigo," "Vestibular Functional Tests,"and "Caloric Tests." Populational inclusion criteria: studies with adult patients; intervention: cochlear implant placement surgery; comparison: analysis of a vestibular function with vestibular test results and pre- and postoperative symptoms; outcome: studies with at least one of the vestibular function tests, such as computerized vectoelectronystagmography (VENG), vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), caloric test, video head impulse test (VHIT), head impulse test (HIT), videonystagmography, (VNG) and static and dynamic posturography. Exclusion criteria: studies without records of pre- and postoperative data collection and studies with populations under 18 years of age. Screening based on the reading of abstracts and titles was performed independently by two reviewers. In the end, with the intermediation of a third reviewer, manuscripts were included. Risk of bias analysis, performed by two other authors, occurred using the JBI "Critical Appraisal Checklist." Results: Of the 757 studies, 38 articles met the inclusion criteria. VEMP was the most commonly used test by the studies (44.7%), followed by the caloric test (36.8%) and vHIT (23.6%). Most studies performed more than one test to assess vestibular function. Conclusion: Among all vestibular tests investigated, the deleterious effects on vestibular function after cochlear implant surgery were detected with statistical significance (P < 0.05) using VEMP and caloric test. Comparing abnormal and normal results after implant surgery, the vestibular apparatus was evaluated as having abnormal results after cochlear implant surgery only in the VEMP test. The other tests analyzed maintained a percentage mostly considered normal results. Systematic review registration: identifier: CRD42020198872.

Muscle strength in Brazilian firefighters with non-specific chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Imbalance between flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk could negatively influence spinal stability. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the strength balance between flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk in military firefighters with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). METHODS: One hundred and two male firefighters were assessed in an isokinetic dynamometer at 120°/s and 60°/s to investigate the balance ratio between flexor and extensor (F/E) muscles. RESULTS: An F/E ratio of 0.72 (SD: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.67-0.76; SEM: 0.02) was observed at 60°/s and 0.94 (SD: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.85-1.03; SEM: 0.04) at 120°/s. The mean peak torque of the extensor muscles was 343.1 N.m/Kg (SD: 94.87; 95% CI: 322.8-363.5; SEM: 10.23) at 60°/s and 270.5 N.m/Kg (SD: 113; 95% CI 246.3-294.8; SEM: 12.18) at 120°/s. The mean peak torque of the flexor muscles was 232.4 N.m/Kg (SD: 53.86; 95% CI 220.8-243.9; SEM: 5.81) at 60°/s and 223.8 N.m/Kg (SD: 66.34; 95% CI 209.6-238.1; SEM: 7.15) at 120°/s. All torques generated by the extensor muscles were higher than the flexor muscles (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Firefighters with NSCLBP presented a normal F/E balance ratio and higher strength of extensor muscles of the trunk.

Exercise interventions can improve muscle strength, endurance, and electrical activity of lumbar extensors in individuals with non-specific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Exercise interventions have been recommended for people with non-specific low back pain. The literature is scarce regarding the effects of exercise on muscle strength, endurance, and electrical activity of lumbar extensor muscles. Electronic searches were carried out from May 2020 until August 2020 in the following databases: PUBMED, CENTRAL, EMBASE, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Scielo, and LILACS. Only randomized controlled trials with passive and active control groups were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was performed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Eight studies, involving 508 participants, were included in metanalytical procedures. Exercise interventions demonstrated superior effects on muscle activity (Electromyography) when compared with active controls (p < 0.0001). Exercise interventions demonstrated superior effects on muscle endurance (Sorensen Test) when compared with passive (p = 0.0340) and active controls (p = 0.0276). Exercise interventions demonstrated superior effects on muscle strength (Machine) when compared with passive controls (p = 0.0092). Exercise interventions can improve muscle strength, endurance, and electrical activity in people with non-specific low back pain.

Contraction fatigue, strength adaptations, and discomfort during conventional versus wide-pulse, high-frequency, neuromuscular electrical stimulation: a systematic review.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be delivered in a conventional form (CONVNMES) and using relatively wide-pulses and high-frequencies (WPHFNMES). WPHFNMES is proposed to reduce contraction fatigability and generate larger contractions with less discomfort than CONVNMES; however, there are no systematic reviews to guide the selection of NMES types. This systematic review compared the effects of CONVNMES versus WPHFNMES on contraction fatigability, strength adaptations, and perceived discomfort in clinical and non-clinical populations. Eight studies were included. When averaged across all non-clinical participants in individual short- and long-term studies, there was either no difference between CONVNMES and WPHFNMES for all outcomes or WPHFNMES produced more fatigability. In a subset of non-clinical participants ("responders"), however, WPHFNMES reduced contraction fatigability during a single session. Long-term studies found no differences between protocols for strength adaptations in non-clinical participants and those with multiple sclerosis. We concluded that WPHFNMES reduces contraction fatigability only in the short-term studies and in non-clinical responder participants and may exacerbate fatigability in non-responders. This review was registered in the prospective international registry of systematic reviews/PROSPERO (Registration Number: CRD42020153907). Novelty: WPHF NMES may reduce fatigue in some participants and exacerbate fatigue in others. There were no differences in long-term studies between WPHF and CONV NMES on strength adaptations. Future high-quality research is needed to optimize outcomes of NMES-based programs.

Exercise interventions improve depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review examined the effects of exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients. METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted between August 2019 and February 2020 at PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cochrane Library databases. Original clinical trial studies that examined the effects of exercise on depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients, stages 3-5, were included. A total of eight studies were included in the systematic review after applying the eligibility criteria, and six studies used for the meta-analysis procedures. RESULTS: The meta-analysis demonstrated statistical difference on depression in favour to exercise when compared to active control (SMD = - 0.66 [- 1.00, - 0.33], p < 0.0001) and passive control (MD = - 6.95 [- 8.76, - 5.14], p < 0.00001). Same results on anxiety demonstrated statistical difference between exercise and active control (SMD = - 0.78 [- 1.21, - 0.34], p = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: From the current limited number and quality of published studies, exercise seems to be more effective than sedentary control and other active control groups for improving depression and anxiety symptoms in chronic kidney disease patients.

Predictive factors of functional mobility in older women after 12 weeks of resistance training / Fatores preditivos da mobilidade funcional em idosas após 12 semanas de treinamento resistido

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between functional mobility, anthropometric and functional characteristics of older women after 12 weeks of resistance training. METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental descriptive study with a multiple linear regression analysis. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted. Forty-seven community-dwelling older women underwent 12 weeks of supervised resistance training twice a week. The dependent variable (mobility measured by the Timed Up and Go test) and the independent variables (age, body mass index, fat-free mass of the lower limbs, waist circumference, peak knee torque at 60º/s, peak knee torque at 180º/s, functional reach test, and 30-second chair stand test) were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: A multivariate analysis showed that age, body mass index, waist circumference, and the 30-second stand test predicted 30% (R2 = 0.30; p = 0.001; F = 5.53) of the total variance regarding an improvement in mobility after resistance training (p < 0.0001; [95% CI 0.72­1.20]; the effect size was considered large [0.90]) when comparing women before and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Age, body mass index, waist circumference, and the 30-second stand test predicted 30% of the increase in functional mobility.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a associação entre mobilidade funcional, variáveis antropométricas e funcionais de mulheres idosas após 12 semanas de treinamento resistido. METODOLOGIA: Este é um estudo descritivo quase experimental com múltipla análise de regressão linear. Foi adotado nível de significância de 0,05. Quarenta e sete idosas residentes na comunidade foram submetidas a 12 semanas de treinamento resistido supervisionado, duas vezes por semana. A variável dependente (mobilidade mensurada pelo teste Timed Up and Go) e as variáveis independentes (idade, índice de massa corporal, massa livre de gordura dos membros inferiores, circunferência da cintura, pico de torque do joelho a 60º/s, pico de torque do joelho a 180º/s, teste de alcance funcional e teste de sentar e levantar por 30 segundo na cadeira) foram medidas antes e depois da intervenção. RESULTADOS: A análise multivariada mostrou que a idade, o índice de massa corporal, a circunferência da cintura e o teste de sentar e levantar previram 30% (R2 = 0,30; p = 0,001; F = 5,53) da variância total na melhora da mobilidade após o treinamento de resistência (p < 0,0001 [95% intervalo de confiança [CI], 0,72-1,20]; o tamanho do efeito foi considerado grande [0,90]) antes e depois da intervenção. CONCLUSÕES: Idade, índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e teste de sentar e levantar predizem 30% de aumento da mobilidade funcional.

Progressive Resistance Training Improves Bradykinesia, Motor Symptoms and Functional Performance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

PURPOSE: Bradykinesia and muscle weaknesses are common symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD) and are associated with impaired functional performance, increased risk of falls, and reduced quality of life. Recent studies have pointed to progressive resistance training (PRT) as an effective method to control and reduce these symptoms, increasing possibilities to treat the disease. However, few studies have focused on assessing the PRT effects in the short-term. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the short-term PRT effects on people with PD, in order to offer new parameters for a better understanding of its effects, so as an adequation and PRT use as a complementary therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty individuals diagnosed with PD from stage 1 to 3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale took part on the study and were allocated into 2 groups; Training Group (TG) performed a 9-week RT program twice a week, and the Control Group (CG) attended disease lectures. Bradykinesia UPDRS subscale (BSS), knee extensors isokinetic strength, Ten Meters Walk Test (TMW), Timed Up&Go Test (TUG) and 30-Second Chair Stand (T30) were measured before and after the intervention period. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Significant time was noted by the group interaction for all functional tests (TUG, T30, and TWM; all p < 0.01) and BSS (p < 0.01). Post hoc analyses revealed that these differences were driven by significant improvements in these dependent variables (all p < 0.01) while the CG remained unchanged (all p > 0.05). Moreover, TUG, T30, TWM, and BSS were significantly different between TG and CG in the post-training assessments (all p < 0.01). Isokinetic muscle strength was slightly increased in the TG (2.4%) and decreased in the CG (-2.2%), but statistical analyses did not reach significance for interaction but only a trend (p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that 9 weeks of PRT reduces bradykinesia and improves functional performance in patients with mild to moderate PD. These findings reinforce this mode of exercise as an important component of public health promotion programs for PD.

The Effects of Strength Training Combined with Vitamin C and E Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Intense muscle contractile activity can result in reactive oxygen species production in humans. Thus, supplementation of antioxidant vitamins has been used to prevent oxidative stress, enhance performance, and improve muscle mass. In this sense, randomized controlled studies on the effect of vitamin C and E supplementation combined with strength training (ST) on skeletal muscle mass and strength have been conducted. As these studies have come to ambiguous findings, a better understanding of this topic has yet to emerge. The purpose of the present review is to discuss the current knowledge about the effect of vitamin C and E supplementation on muscle mass and strength gains induced by ST. Search for articles was conducted in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar. This work is in line with the recommendations of the PRISMA statement. Eligible studies were placebo-controlled trials with a minimum of four weeks of ST combined with vitamin C and E supplementation. The quality of each included study was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale (PEDro). 134 studies were found to be potentially eligible, but only seven were selected to be included in the qualitative synthesis. A meta-analysis of muscle strength was conducted with 3 studies. Findings from these studies indicate that vitamins C and E has no effect on muscle force production after chronic ST. Most of the evidence suggests that this kind of supplementation does not potentiate muscle growth and could possibly attenuate hypertrophy over time.

Sintomas osteomioarticulares em bombeiros militares do Distrito Federal / Osteomioarticular symptoms in military fire fighters of the Federal District

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de sintomas osteomioarticulares em bombeiros militares do Distrito Federal. Metódo: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com bombeiros militares de idades entre 18 e 55 anos. Foi utilizado o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares e os participantes relataram a ocorrência dos sintomas nos 12 meses e nos sete dias precedentes à entrevista, bem como os afastamentos das atividades no último ano. Os dados foram tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel 2016 e foi feita a estatística descritiva. Resultados: Dos 178 bombeiros participantes, 89% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 39 anos e média do índice de massa corporal de 25,93. As regiões de maior prevalência foram a região lombar (20,90%), seguida dos joelhos (14,24%) e da região dorsal (12,26%) nos últimos 12 meses e a região lombar (20,35%), seguida dos joelhos (16,48%) e dos ombros (11,97%) nos últimos sete dias. Conclusão: Verificou-se maior prevalência de sintomas osteomioarticulares na região lombar, joelhos e região dorsal para alterações crônicas, e maior prevalência de sintomas na região lombar, joelhos e ombros para alterações agudas. Os bombeiros apontaram como causas a realização de força, fadiga e/ou cansaço, posturas mantidas por um longo período de tempo, movimentos bruscos e movimentos repetitivos.

Objective: Verify the prevalence of osteomioarticular symptoms in military firefighters in the Federal District. Method: This is a cross-sectional study with military firefighters aged between 18 and 55 years. The Nordic Osteomuscular Symptoms Questionnaire was used and the participants reported the occurrence of symptoms in the 12 months and seven days preceding the interview, as well as the withdrawal of the activities in the last year. The data were tabulated in the Microsoft Excel 2016 program and the descriptive statistics were made. Results: Of the 178 firefighters involved, 89% were males, with a mean age of 39 years and a mean body mass index of 25.93. The regions with the highest prevalence were the lumbar region (20.90%), followed by the knees (14.24%) and the dorsal region (12.26%) in the last 12 months and the lumbar region (20.35%), followed by knees (16.48%) and shoulders (11.97%) in the last seven days. Conclusion: There was a higher prevalence of osteomioarticular symptoms in the lumbar region, knees and dorsal region for chronic changes, and a higher prevalence of symptoms in the lower back, knees and shoulders for acute changes. The firefighters pointed as causes of force, fatigue and /or tiredness, postures maintained for a long period of time, sudden movements and repetitive movements.

Reliability and Agreement of the 10-Repetition Maximum Test in Breast Cancer Survivors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and agreement between the test and retest of the 10-repetition maximum (10-RM) test for leg press and bench press in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Thirty-one BCS participated in this study, age 54.87 ± 5.7 years. All performed 10-RM tests and retests for the leg press 45° and the bench press. For reliability analyses, an intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were performed. The limits of agreement were calculated using a Bland-Altman plot with 95% CIs. For absolute and relative error of measurement, we used standard error of measurement and minimally detectable change. The result showed a high reliability for the bench press and leg press; ICC of 0.94 and 0.98, respectively. CV was <10% for both exercises. The systematic error were 1.5 kg (10%) and 6.1 (8%) for the bench press and leg press, respectively. The standard errors of measurements were 0.96 kg (6.08%) and 4.11 kg (5.27%) for the bench press and leg press, respectively. The minimally detectable changes were 2.72 kg (17.20%) and 5.62 kg (7.21%) for the bench press and leg press, respectively. In breast cancer survivors, the muscular strength measurement for the 10-RM test showed a high to very high rate of reliability and agreement, with acceptable error of measurement.

'It's very complicated': Perspectives and beliefs of newly graduated physiotherapists about the biopsychosocial model for treating people experiencing non-specific low back pain in Brazil.

Non-specific low back pain is a common complaint frequently presented by patients and this complex clinical condition has challenged the biomedical model. The Biopsychosocial (BPS) model is recognized as an option for better guidance and patient management. However, physiotherapy training is based on the biomedical perspective, added to which, in clinical practice the applicability of the BPS model is a challenge for many professionals. In this article, we explore the feelings, beliefs, and attitudes of newly trained physiotherapists about using the BPS model to treat people with non-specific low back pain. It also aims to understand to what extent these physiotherapists are willing and prepared to use this model. Method: A qualitative phenomenological research was carried out in the Brazilian federal capital. A set of criteria was used to select 10 physiotherapists. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using five steps: familiarization, identification, indexation, mapping, and interpretation. Results: We identified one theme and three categories. The theme 'a practitioner physiotherapist can consider BPS aspects, but it is not necessary in his/her role to approach them' explains a shared belief about the use of BPS. The theme is better understood when looking at the three categories that explore and exemplify key elements of the theme: (i) understanding the BPS model and its relation to non-specific low back pain; (ii) the role of practitioner physiotherapists regarding the BPS model; and (iii) barriers: from undergraduate training to clinical settings.

Effect of electrical stimulation on muscle atrophy and spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury - a systematic review with meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: This work is a systematic review with meta-analysis OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) on skeletal muscle volume and spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: University of Brasilia, Brazil METHODS: Searches were conducted of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, PsycINFO and EMBASE electronic databases for relevant articles published up to June 2018. No restrictions were imposed regarding the year of publication. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials involving adults with SCI comparing ES to an active or passive control. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the selected studies and methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. RESULTS: The initial search led to the retrieval of 164 studies, seven of which met the eligibility criteria, but only six were included in the meta-analysis. The six studies comprised 104 patients with complete or incomplete SCI. In the two studies that investigated the use of ES on muscle volume of the lower limbs, the overall effect was statistically significant in patients with acute SCI (mean difference: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.69; p < 0.04). Among the four studies that examined the use of ES for spasticity of the lower limb, the overall effect was non-significant (mean difference: 0.55; 95% CI: -0.31 to 1.41; p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Electrical stimulation was found to be an effective method for increasing muscle volume in SCI patients, but had no effect on spasticity. Further investigation of the effect of ES on spasticity in SCI is needed.